Having a few
minutes to spare I though I would write and let you know that I am all right &
have had a good time coming down on the boat we landed in the famous city of
Vicksburgh this morning it as a poor looking place hilly as you please I have
been in one of the underground houses that the citizens of this place dug out
time of the siege and I see some houses with the hind sides shot off I have seen
where the gun boats have burnt the burley from off the plantations and where
towns have been burned &c The weather is hot here I could go barefooted and not
half try Contrabands are as thick as thick I could hire hundreds if I wanted
them I have seen a good many negro soldiers they look sweet They put on a heap
of style I have not the time to write much this time I just thought I would
write and let you know that I am all right and tell you where I am I will leave
here tonight I will write again when I get to the regiment Direct your letters
to the 1st regt. heavy artillery Ind. Vol. New Orleans, La.

Nothing more at present

John

New Orleans La

Feb 25, 1865

Dear Father,

I take the present opportunity to write you a few
lines to let you know that I am enjoying the best of health.

I expressed a box to you this morning containing two
overcoats, one for your self and one for George and a few other notions I sent
the box by Parkers Co, PARKER’S EXPRESS Company. You can go to Evansville and
get it, as I sent it directed to Evansville

I directed it to William Ingle Evansville, Ind.

We expect to leave here in two or three days We have
drawn dog tents. I will send you a picture of a dog tent. It is composed of two
pieces of factory buttoned together and large enough to cover two men We carry
it in our knapsacks.

Large numbers of troops are coming down the river
from Thomas’ Army no less than twenty five boatloads of troops have arrived here
in the last day or two.